The brief Monday, June 11 Rushford Council meeting focused on just three agenda items. One notable update to the council was details of an upcoming ceremony honoring fallen soldier and Rushford native Joseph Morris Johnson. The navy seaman served on the USS Oklahoma and was killed in action at Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. Johnson was just 22 when he was killed. He was initially interred in a mass grave at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Johnson’s remains were recently recovered and are being returned to his family in Rushford. A funeral is scheduled for July 7 with burial in the Rushford Lutheran Cemetery. Specifics for the day are still in the planning stages, but it’s expected that the Rushford Legion Post 94, which is partly named in honor of Johnson, will host a service at the new Veterans Memorial Park, weather permitting.
The city is expecting representatives from the U.S. Navy and The Office of Veterans Affairs present for the service. Todd James, Commander of Legion Post 94, is in charge of planning the events.
“This is a big deal,” said Councilor Jim O’Donnell.
“A very big deal,” added Mayor Chris Hallum.
In general business items, Fillmore County has notified the city of two land parcels within city limits that were forfeited to the state of Minnesota for non-payment of property taxes. The council was asked to approve the parcels for public auction or auction to adjacent property owners. A third option, to request transfer of the property to the city for public use, was also listed in a letter from the county, but the city council made no mention of any specific use for the parcels.
The parcels are listed as residential, non-conservation and are located near Rushford’s downtown. The first parcel is situated between three properties located at 101, 103, and 105 North Elm Street. The second parcel is located between the properties of 108 and 110 East Jessie Street and 305 Mane Street.
According to the letter, special assessments that were levied prior to the forfeiture were canceled at the time of forfeiture and will be paid from the sale price. Any assessments levied after will be certified to the county, added to the appraised value, and also paid from the sale price.
Councilor Sally Ryman questioned who serves notice to adjacent landowners. City Clerk/Treasurer Kathy Zacher indicated the county will publicly post the information, which serves as notice to all. In the event there are no interested parties for the parcels, the land will stay in the state’s possession. The date for the public auction will be set August 7 at the Fillmore County Commission meeting.
The council also unanimously approved the hire of Lorenz “Ricky” Buchanan for the seasonal part-time position in public works. Buchanan was interviewed by Public Works Director Roger Knutson and a tentative offer of employment was offered and accepted June 4.
A Minnesota Department of Transportation landscape architect is coming to Rushford June 13. It is expected the designer will have ideas for the city’s north end entrance and for downtown beautification.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Monday, June 25, at 6:30 p.m., at city hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
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